Twenty-one group leaders join network of EMBO Young Investigators

Heidelberg, Germany, 23 November 2010 – Today, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) announced the selection of 21 of Europe's most talented young researchers as 2010 beneficiaries of the EMBO Young Investigator Programme.

Now in its eleventh year, the programme annually identifies some of the most promising European young researchers at a critical stage of their scientific careers. Young group leaders receive a range of benefits designed to smooth the transition during the start up of their first independent research laboratories. EMBO Members – themselves recognised for their excellence in research – select the group leaders to join the programme each year.

The title, EMBO Young Investigator, is highly sought by young researchers due to the programme's reputation for excellence. The programme received 137 applications this year and successful recipients have established research groups in Belgium, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

"EMBO Young Investigators gain financial, academic and practical support," explains Gerlind Wallon, EMBO Deputy Director and manager of the Young Investigator Programme. "The programme helps to endorse and promote these young scientists as active and recognised contributors to European research."

Over the course of three years, EMBO Young Investigators will enjoy benefits not always readily available to young group leaders. Lab management and non-scientific skills training as well as PhD courses offer the young group leaders and their students the chance to develop professional skills. Networking events introduce them to recognised leaders in science like EMBO Members and other experts in their fields.

The 21 young group leaders honoured this year participate in the EMBO Young Investigator network – a group of almost 250 scientists. "The increasing number of participants each year makes the benefits of networking more tangible and concrete," adds Gerlind Wallon.

The network also organizes specialised meetings in diverse fields of molecular biology. Meetings – such as those for young investigators working on cell polarity or neurobiology – provide a platform to start new collaborations or exchange PhD students between labs.

EMBO Young Investigators receive 15,000 euros per year directly from the member state where their laboratories are located. Additional support is provided by EMBO for networking activities and small research projects in their laboratories. The distinction as an EMBO Young Investigator often assists young group leaders to attract additional sources of funding for their research.